The Detroit Pistons are expected to be among the biggest spenders in free agency this summer. However, recent reports suggest that an Eastern Conference rival is preparing to throw big money at an interesting name on the market. Klay Thompson, a former All-Star who was unable to work out an extension with the Golden State Warriors, will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Thompson’s struggles this season were a major topic early in the year, but he’s managed to bounce back some. Since the All-Star break, he is averaging 18.6 PPG and shooting 41% from beyond the arc.
In a recent piece for The Athletic, Tim Kawakami stated that the Orlando Magic are a potential suitor for Thompson. Like the Pistons, they will have a substantial amount of cap room this summer.
“One of the worst-kept secrets in the league is that Orlando, loaded with young talent but not with shooters, might offer Klay a ton of money next summer.”
If Thompson does plan on testing the market, the Pistons should be a team to enter the fray. Armed with money to spend, he is the kind of veteran who could help a young group turn the corner.
For starters, Thompson is the ideal guard to pair with Cade Cunningham. He doesn’t command the ball much, and is a high-volume three-pointer shooter. Having a shooter with that kind of gravity on the floor would greatly open the floor for the former No. 1 pick. Thompson was a key part of a dynasty at his peak. While he isn’t the player he once was, he could still be impactful on and off the court for a team like the Pistons.
